Accepting the Truck Driving Challenge

It's well known that a trucking career isn't for everyone. Many people can't or won't deal with the days away from home and the long hours out on the road. Those that choose to enter the career understand the demands of the industry. Simply put, trucking is a lifestyle change. How can you be sure that it's right for you? Are you ready to spend your life over the road?
What's so challenging about being a truck driver, anyway? Driving, delivering, and driving some more – what's the big deal? The truth is that you have a lot more to consider before you start your first trucking job than might appear on the surface.

You need to research and learn about truck driving. Reading information online, talking to truck drivers, and checking into trucking schools will give you the initial information you need.

You need to consider how this will change your family life. Is your spouse accepting of the idea? Are they willing to help manage your household alone while you're gone for two weeks at a time?

And how about the pay – is the ability to earn up to $50,000 in the first year and even more in the second year enough for you to get started while supporting a family?

Is the job itself something you feel like you can learn? Do you know about the highway regulations, requirements for a CDL license, and everything you need to do to keep yourself up to date along the way?

One truck driver writes:

“Trucking was everything I had hoped it would be and then some. In fact, and then a lot more. I had no idea there would be a million rules and regulations. I didn’t know the DOT and other law enforcement agencies would be scouring the highways day and night watching your every move....But I could handle it.”

However, like any other career, you can never truly be sure until you try it.